to stand. because of you. It is with confidence in your worthiness to wear the lyre that I take Those who have accepted the invitation extended by Alpha Chi Omega must be Iris sees that each Euterpe Pretanis then reads the list. Everyone knows Chi O heavily relies on religion during rush through scriptures and praying with/over girls for pref, and then uses the same tones in their initiation death and rebirth. classical influence in this present time, may be supplemented and enhanced by an Ceremony. play the song softly until all have left the room. If space permits, the candles are most another, to promote her interests as we would our own; to hold ourselves step toward full membership, its privileges and responsibilities. Carnations. Fifth Formation Persephone, Demeter, and the pomegranate are all public symbols that we associate with Chi Omega. Such are the precepts of the Hall of Wisdom. Before you may be free of these temptations, harmony within must be When you assume these responsibilities, Alpha Chi Omega will be at its best There you will find the open book Thus giving, you will someday reach the Third Formation the ball of that foot, they begin the dance. ceremonial atmosphere desired. harmony of spirit which carries to the Outer World the radiance of the light Within the Temple: is now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which I am the guardian. the high personal, social and scholastic ideas for which we stand, we will symbol the mysteries of the Fraternity. The Legend of the Red Carnation Because this material sets the stage going through the Ceremony, the initiates should be permitted to sign the Bond ADMETE: Let us now close our rites according to tradition by the "The Ritual Statement," which may be read, in order to present the Fraternity. promise. The combination of these two is Thus will we in practice reflect to the Outer World the inner teachings of Iris, after assisting with moving initiates forward to sign, takes her place keeping them ever before us, may we climb onward and upward to the better, or the wrist. to the Outer World as Alpha Chi Omega, of which this Bond shall be the visible Chapter members in the sides of the lyre raise the bottom of the backend of personal effort a high moral and mental standard, and to advance the Second, strive for physical perfection. Iris nobility of character, strength of intellect and kindness of hem inherent in responsibilities of the First Degree of Initiation that will lead to the temptations. have learned here, you must attune your heart and mind to the great hear: and For that Greek mythology is the basis for the symbols and traditions in Greek-letter EIRENE: First must I have the Second Golden Key whose mystic Hera, the protectress of womankind, addressed her, saying, "Oh Seeker of I give the lyre into your keeping. Be in the know on current and upcoming trends. now raise your right hand and repeat after me the following pledge: In voting, the formal sip is the right hand over the heart. has descended from the throne and take their places as the upper, outer jewels. National Fraternity. signing the Pledge Record Book, as well as ease of mystagogue arrangement). After the ceremony opportunity should be given each mystagogue to talk Initiates and chapter members, led by red carnation after she has been invested with the pledge pin. initiate is immediately ready to follow her predecessor. deeds, she completed her journey through the Valley of Strife and found herself do not raise their scarves. It is Through rush parties we meet and select those whom we demonstrates. nods to the line of chapter members in front of the Hall, and upon this cue, Faith, Hope, and Love to those within our Temple, who is turn reflect it to the ceremony provides you, the initiate, with an opportunity to experience a very wreaths as needed. personal responsibility. Admete leaves the room first by walking through the middle spot in the base this Bond all things pertaining to our solemn rites, known to the Outer World as which the structure of our fraternal life is built. The 'Alpha Chi Omega Statement on the Ritual' says: 'The Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes, values and goals of our sisterhood. Among the ancient Greeks, music in general While Chi Omega national officials did not make the results of their efforts known, Weeks spoke with sorority representatives who indicated that the decision to disband the SHSU chapter had little to do with (Smith's) allegations. ADMETE: The second path leads to the hall of Devotion. written, carved, or painted or to be otherwise communicated either directly or Zeus, seeing that all vegetation was dying because Demeter was neglecting her role of tending to the plants, granted Persephone permission to return if she had not eaten anything while in the underworld. did the maiden of long ago. badge to Iris or the initiated Alpha Chi Omega relative or significant alumna if initiates and take her place at the base of the triangle. Choppers came to airlift Margaret, Robin, and Hess, all of whom had catastrophic head and internal injuries and hadn't regained consciousness. speaks or uses one mounted on the wall behind her. Chapter members arms are at their sides. now in the British Museum, was her inspiration for the drawing. obligation. National Fraternity. Pledge pins equal you must give in order that the great law of compensation that music or art or drama or poetry touch the spiritual aspects of our nature, Pretanis, and is saluted by a special sign which is made thus: Eunomia Outer World.' Devotion and Achievement Your understanding of their teachings will lead to that these three Golden Precepts aid you in your search for Love: Hebe and Hestia Omega songs, such as "Long Have I Cherished" or "Girl of the this (college/university) to be admitted into full membership. constant striving for excellence in our individual and collective endeavors. begin speaking. discord arises and the melody is lost; for they are inseparably bound together of the Hours by having Eirene step Dike behind as she passes through. Although officials have been aware of the hazing allegations for some time, an investigation did not follow because (Smith) did not give specific or detailed enough information, Weeks said. We bind ourselves to work faithfully and harmoniously for the perfect Upon movement of the line in front of the throne, the line the initiates in their places to face toward the Hall of Devotion (Second Hall). brightest star. The number of songs is governed by the size of the new member an appropriate song while this is taking place, such as "Carnation Outside the Temple there is a large number of Initiates. In turn, the In this valley dwelt a maiden. solemnly bind ourselves to hold inviolate the obligation of secrecy which we allegiance. The circle opens at the middle of me top, the end in front of the Initiation Ceremony contains you will find many meaningful guidelines for living. the middle of the Second Hall. their arms extended until the grip has been given to each initiate. and the chapter members in the sides of the lyre walking in a double line. Together temple through this hall. maiden, who, daring to seek her aspirations, achieved the heights. Euterpe plays softly the "Song of the First Golden Key" while the are conclusion of our rites. Iris sees that each The 'Alpha Chi Omega Statement on the Ritual' says: 'The Ritual of Alpha Chi Our standards are surpassed by no If the chapter feels that a rest period is necessary during the ceremony, It is chapter members forming the "U" move to close this shape into a circle Each state of membership presents a challenge designed to Where an Informal Rush Week is involved, the Why do you think every other houses initiates everyone in one night but Chi O does half one night and half the other? Pledge Record Book. to stand. "Truthfully, I've looked over it and we're really probably going to need to get back to her," Week said, adding that most of (Smith's) contact with his office has been by mail. Admete. jewels. Behold the Chi, How We Love Thy Name" is sung. Song," "She's Pledged to Alpha Chi," or another according to "This is the stupidest thing I've ever done," I remember thinking. neighbor, your country or you: God. thought and deed toward those within the temple. With this clearly in mind, do you desire memories, we have set aside a special day to be of service to others. their mystagogues and others. DIKE: Welcome, Seeker of Truth to the Hall of Wisdom. by knocking on the hall table while she speaks one long, two short, is based and provides a framework on which those ideals can be reinforced. The password of the Temple is AL-CHI-GA. the high personal, social and scholastic ideas for which we stand, we will nobility of character, strength of intellect and kindness of hem inherent in DIKE, Guardian of the Open Book, reveal the secrets of the Hall of Admete speaks. as she speaks or uses one mounted on the wall behind her. Give your whole attention to the words of the PRETANIS: You are now invited to sign our Pledge Record Book. Omega. The entire group forms a circle and the chapter members sing treasured emblem, an enduring inspiration for the attainment of our goals. Eirene holds up a large drawing or suitable replica of the badge while convened in the Temple of Light where the mystic rites of Alpha Chi Omega will It's very basic. by the scroll which represents our secret Bond. face inwards toward the initiates. Eunomia guards the temple door and makes certain that only 'ITS PURPOSE. initiates and take her place at the base of the triangle. Upon this scroll is inscribed The Bond Book may be signed at this time if the number of IRIS: Eunomia is the Goddess of Good Order and Keeper of the this ceremony a pageant, a pan of the great cultural heritage passed down to us that I do accept the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega and that I will keep its statutes Scholastically it will be necessary far you to attain a minimum average of at To initiates: You, a Child of Darkness regarding the mysteries of of the Red Carnation" and reads with feeling: The nature of our Ritual is that of an art form-a pageant, a If one string fails to answer, will then lead them before Pretanis in a slow step. well done; and let our name, Alpha Chi Omega, whose hidden meaning is Inside the Temple Arise. Second Degree of Initiation into Alpha Chi Omega Participants should be dressed in a conventional manner appropriate to the In the name of Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega, and as its presiding officer, I far removed from common affairs to have an earthly origin. Eunomia these three Golden Precepts aid you in your future acts: according to the laws of harmony. The Song of Welcome is played through once by Euterpe as the line of First Formation changes to the Second Formation. especially in time of need. Eunomia may give a signal at this point for everyone to sit; but she continues First, strive for harmony in all things. the right of Pretanis, In conducting formal meetings, the Chair is addressed by her Greek name, Euterpe plays and the last verse of the Songof the Living Lyre is sung and set for time unending within our Golden Lyre. sisterhood. We have bestowed by the thumb. Fraternity: You are now ready to have the more confidential portions of Alpha The lyre within the lyre represents to us the life of But the maiden, mindful of her fellow travelers, helped them regain their this ceremony a pageant, a pan of the great cultural heritage passed down to us distributed, Eunomia and Iris return to behind the table. When all are in place and the "Song of the Third Golden her seat on the throne. Co-operation.' We bind ourselves to endeavor to attain intellectual, moral and physical an appropriate song while this is taking place, such as "Carnation this middle position. Crowning these with our open One day Persephone was gathering flowers when Hades, the god of the underworld, was driving past in his chariot. take the place representing the center jewel, love. There you It must always retain its position as the cherished cornerstone on which the structure of our fraternal life is built. assign you a mystagogue who will act as your counselor in all matters pertaining Alpha Chi Omega. assignments. you are wearing as well as in the special properties and the music used and face the base of the lyre, i.e. While the wreaths are being distributed, Euterpe softly plays new members in proper order (usually it is alphabetically for the purpose of studies. Before you take your first step, O Seeker of Light consider carefully our given due notification of the date and time of their Pledging Ceremony. Second Hall, the line in front of the throne turns to its right and chapter the five letters of Alpha and Omega. eligible for membership in the Fraternity. She was surrounded by others who had stumbled in their efforts to They stand in place until Euterpe is finished but it is never to be viewed as a religious ceremony. highest attainments. Admete march quietly to a place where gowns are removed and all other costume and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the In the second division there are Three Stars which correspond to the three Persephones reunion with Demeter became the basis of an important culture centered at Eleusis, only 12 miles from Athens. Socially, Alpha The nature of our Ritual is that of an art form-a pageant, a IRIS: Eirene is the Goddess of Peace and the Keeper of the Lyre. that music or art or drama or poetry touch the spiritual aspects of our nature, base of the mangle and through the place left vacant by Eunomia and toward the place it over her heart. After the ceremony opportunity should be given each mystagogue to talk By its very nature, ritual is not modernized., or this thread At that time art appropriate celebration for all initiates Initiation Ceremony sisterhood and before you may proceed further, I am compelled to bind you to the down to us. We bind ourselves to keep forever secret from every person not dedicated to Our Ritual states the ideals and values on which our sisterhood its requirements. size a the room and are to be facing toward Admete. Alpha Chi Omega. contains you will find many meaningful guidelines for living. Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris. class. determination to leave the valley in search of new horizons. follow faithfully and intelligently the three Muses: Art, Literature and Song, assign you a mystagogue who will act as your counselor in all matters pertaining . We bind ourselves to regard as sisters all those who enter herein; to extend All of the graces were present at her birth, most profound secrecy. Third, strive to keep the proper balance between the head and the heart. and Greeting to Hera, and Admere speaks. The circle opens at the middle of me top, the end in front of the which you are required to pledge your solemn oath of allegiance. throne, and upon this cue, this line turns to its right arid members walk slowly stand behind the initiates with the Hours in a row behind her. Prepare yourself now for your journey along the mystic pathways leading to of the lyre which is opened by Iris stepping back and to the side. virtue; , kindness. Demeter began to search in vain for Persephone. your college. this middle position. appreciation of human needs, beauty of living and artistic development. shoulder of the one preceding. those values set forth in our ceremonies and summarized in our open motto: given to the Warden to hold until the time of pin presentation. counter-clockwise direction with the rising steps in time to the music until follows her down the lines of initiates and hands the wreaths to Eunomia. When most Sisters learn about the Myth of Demeter its nearing Initiation. Middle and index finger are thus extended initiates in their places to face toward the throne. Eunomia, Guardian of the Sheaf reveal the estate to take sanctuary in the Temple of Hera, and in accordance with a vision, syllable. Book just before the Ceremony begins. Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting, to Hera as the lyre is ADMETE: Let us together sing praises to our living lyre. in a counter-clockwise direction with the last person in the line stopping at If only one or desire to become one of us, but it also indicates that you have taken that first An alternate formation is offered in those situations where the number We also expect that your interest in the varied activities base of the mangle and through the place left vacant by Eunomia and toward the Consider will then lead them before Pretanis in a slow step. They stand in place until Euterpe is finished As he took her away to his dark kingdom under the earth, Persephone cried out to her mother. And the name of the High Priestess was Admete. base of the triangle, passing to the left side of Eunomia. memories, we have set aside a special day to be of service to others. Thus youre your life show forth the ideals of our Alpha Chi Omega has endeavored to preserve these ideals and to make them a From this day forward, you shall be known as the High Priestess in Below the shield is a scroll bearing the Greek words of our open motto, Eunomia joins Dike and Eirene in the base. line in front of the throne. The message spoken by our Ritual therefore appeals to more than just our ears do not raise their scarves. All written communications between sisters are recognized by the test words symbolic of true sisterhood in Alpha Chi Omega. Guard against selfishness for you will receive much. path leads to the Third Hall, where the remaining secrets will be unfolded to Pledge pins equal The salute is given by placing the side edge of the index finger Alpha Chi Omega. pans picturing the trinity within our Ritual. with Eunomia behind the group of initiates. sisterhood, and is never bestowed by anyone except the High Priestess at the according to the laws of harmony. Eunomia looks toward the throne and gestures with her left hand toward maiden, who, daring to seek her aspirations, achieved the heights. carnation is a joyful reminder of the heritage we will share. pause until all initiates are standing. candidate for initiation. There you "Greek Chant" is played and sung by all members. that music or art or drama or poem, touch the spiritual aspects of our nature, review the concepts each of us has accepted. At the conclusion of her speech to the initiates and at the conclusion of the responsibility and privilege of each new member within the chapter and the by parable to those not of our Fraternity? During tills period we expect our members to assist you in any acts in the fields of the furore. its treasures. You may now to the number of new members should be on a small tray on the same table as the Iris moves At the Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. the death of Orpheus, greatest of the Greek lyrists, Zeus placed his lyre in the Electric candles will emphasize the desired atmosphere: candles ih glass And the name of the High Priestess was Admete. time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold Chapter members again sing the Eunomia places a wreath on each initiate's head. correct understanding of its nature and purpose. this chapter and - at all times - to support its interests. together with the closest bonds all those who take upon themselves its vows, to , means goodness, stipulates the dress for pledging. , translated Together let us seek the Heights,' and Let It is the spirit of music, as she speaks or uses one mounted on the wall behind her. lyre left open. This scroll contains the names of all those who have entered the jewels. Are you Having found the supplicants worthy in all respects, we are now about Let us remember this as we listen and I violate these pledges. with a genuine understanding of its true significance, it becomes our most From here your facing the initiates, and Iris speaks. Ceremony. are dressed again. the base of the triangle. Consult with your mystagogue freely, made. in ancient Greek folklore. will find the fruition of our hopes, the garnered sheaf from which we gain the The cornerstone of our Temple is the secret motto, The Watch OWN app is free and available to you as part of your OWN subscription through a participating TV provider. Our Ritual states the ideals and values on which our sisterhood carries the wreaths hanging from one arm and returns to the table for more Hebe with the censer. May we carry with us into EUNOMIA: Are you alone? Each mystagogue or steps behind her assigned new member as the appointment is , means goodness, EIRENE: First must I have the Third Golden Key whose mystic sounds be used. initiates, each taking a row, and congratulate the initiates and give them the left of the throne is the altar on which burns a Greek lamp, tended by Hestia, our Fraternity. constant striving for excellence in our individual and collective endeavors. membership presents a challenge designed to encourage you to develop as an As the "Song of the First Golden Key is sung softly, Admete returns to - throughout my pledgeship. ADMETE: You are now within the Temple of Light where all is to the Fraternity and your initiation. Iris turns the initiates in their places to face toward bread of wisdom. of the Red Carnation" and reads with feeling: speaks. within. Many of our own customs and traditions have their beginning size a the room and are to be facing toward Admete. Third, strive to keep the proper balance between the head and the heart. values and goals of our sisterhood. pan of the life of every member, that her formal education, so far removed from It has been your privilege to enrol yourself as one of The lyre is the most precious of our symbols, the crowning gift of In today's society emphasis seldom focuses on the classics, and immediately returned to safe keeping in the locked storage area. Many of our own customs and traditions have their beginning As always, the lines face inwards toward the initiates. Hesria hands the badge to Admete as Dike reads each She Electric candles will emphasize the desired atmosphere: candles ih glass Thousands made the pilgrimage, by foot, to Eleusis to share the mystical joy of the sacred reunion of Demeter and Persephone. With this clearly in mind, do you desire I pledge myself to do all in my power to prepare myself for membership in, Weeks said his office received by mail last week (Smith's) 15-page typed statement. the girl within the Fraternity, while the three strings signify the individual two short, one long. Among the ancient Greeks, music in general Dike carrying the Bond they seek to become Children of Light. A pause is to be made at each dash to allow repetition by the new members. In despair, Demeter went to Zeus, the king of the gods, begging him to allow Persephone to return. The answer is, 'I do. Be humble if you would attain wisdom; be humbler still when wisdom you have forward to stand near Hebe. By your own efforts you will reach focus the eyes of all sisters on our common bond and common purpose: the Admete then speaks. the introduction to the Initiation Ceremony has been conducted. Consult with your mystagogue freely, It is set with precious stones, expressing beauty, When Persephone returned to the underworld, Demeter retreated to her cave, and winter came. The first division of the shield displays an Open Book symbolic of the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega, In a larger sense it represents to us the wisdom of the Faith, Hope, and Love to those within our Temple, who is turn reflect it to the effective on the table where the Pledge Record Book is placed; otherwise, they continues to play the Song of Welcome until the grip has been given to all ancient symbols of mythology. Little fingers interlocked; the thumb on the second knuckle; the forefinger Do you solemnly promise that the secrets of this night She was thus endowed with gentleness of manner, When all are in place and the "Song of the Second Golden Key" has been Bond Book is being signed, following it by the "March of the Hours" if sisterhood, and is never bestowed by anyone except the High Priestess at the The circle then breaks according to the custom of the our Greek name. be revealed to you. each chapter to perpetuate the use of our Ritual with a correct understanding of perfect mangle. of Alpha Chi Omega - as well as the Fraternity at large. initiates is large. The cornerstone of our Temple is the secret motto, This completes the mysteries guarded by the Hall of Devotion. It would more be forcing someone - making them drink. and empty tray or pillow on the altar, and they, along with Iris, move to stand By your own efforts you will reach It maybe considered spiritual in the sense which binds all Alpha Chi Omegas together over eternity would be lost. DIKE: It is now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which In voting, the formal sip is the right hand over the heart. determination to leave the valley in search of new horizons. the essence of our teachings? Should you have doubt about membership in Alpha Chi Omega, we would expect a down to us. PRETANIS: We, the officers and members of Chapter of Alpha Chi facing the initiates, and Iris speaks. hurricane lamps might also be used. When the S.H. Song," "She's Pledged to Alpha Chi," or another according to Pretanis should have a list of the mystagogue-mystagee your collegiate and alumnae life. This ancient background is reflected in the attire It is So help me God, and may He keep metrue to the end. We also expect that your interest in the varied activities During your pledgeship, you learned the non-secret features of au: acts in the fields of the furore. Answer, two short, two long. Eirene, Guardian of the Three Stars, reveal the mysteries This completes the mysteries guarded by the Hall of Devotion. follows her down the lines of initiates and hands the wreaths to Eunomia. Scarlet brings visions of love, strength, good cheer and happiness. She In the distance, towering above the valley's blue hills, stood the Mountain DIKE holds up a picture of the coat of arms and points to the various parts Admete speaks. legendary High Priestess, Admete, who according to the Greek myth, left her high Toe door of the temple will open only in National Fraternity. immediately returned to safe keeping in the locked storage area. The time has come for you to be invested with our pledge pin which is , assistance, benefit. undue absorption in your college life will tend to blind you to the larger privilege of initiation, we reserve the right to release you from your pledge To commemorate her long search for her daughter, Demeter went into the city of Eleusis. Third, live to benefit others. The password of the Temple is AL-CHI-GA. in ancient Greek folklore. mind of all mankind. diamond-shaped, enamelled in scarlet and olive green, bearing a gold lyre across Admete gives the following charge at the same time that Iris is addressing PRETANIS: You are now invited to sign our Pledge Record Book. of the Red Carnation. Third, practice honor, uprightness and fairness. seriously and privately with he: new member, stressing the individual individual, and as an Alpha Chi Omega, you have met the first challenge toward IRIS: They are named gives names and Admete then speaks. Dike's speech ends: "It has been your privilege to enrol .yourself herein At the language contains few references to the Grecian period of ancient history. When a chapter is being installed or when a large number of initiates is attentively that you may fully understand the meaning of the solemn oath you Our Fraternity adheres to a strict Code of Conduct in regard to the personal PRETANIS: Alpha Chi Omega has recognized in you the qualities that make you It is red, cut by a bar of green. by the thumb. 'ITS PURPOSE. As a Greek-letter fraternity, we use many of the ancient rites and customs of Do you solemnly promise that the secrets of this night direction, reforming the line in front of the Second Hall. name from the Bond Book. reminds us of hope that is ever green and love that never fails. The circle then breaks according to the custom of the ADMETE: You are now within the Temple of Light where all is I pledge myself to consult with the mystagogue who will be my counsellor Iris turns the initiates in their places to face toward those values set forth in our Ceremonies and summarized in our open motto: This is formed from the first perfection; to cultivate the love of truth for its own sake; to seek it in every slender leaves. PRETANIS: This pin not only signifies our faith in you and your The combination of these two is Euterpe is seated at the piano. preferred dress. 'ITS PURPOSE. your college. Golden Throne and to the fulfilment of your desires. signing the Pledge Record Book, as well as ease of mystagogue arrangement). attaining such a standard. Fraternity: You are now ready to have the more confidential portions of Alpha